novelapdf Chapter 210 Three-way standoff
Chapter 210 Three-way standoff
Chapter 211 A Four-Legged Standoff
"Having watched for so long, it's time for you all to show yourselves."
After Lu Jianghe finished speaking, he flicked his finger as if tapping lightly, as if casually pointing in the air.
Fingertips lightly tapped on the invisible "tabletop".
Centered on his fingertip, the entire cave, and even the space outside the cave, rippled like water.
South of the sky, in the heart of the Ghost Spirit Gate.
"Have you heard that the Hidden Moon Sect has gained another Nascent Soul cultivator?"
The speaker was as thin as bamboo, wrapped in a black ghost robe embroidered with pale white skulls; he was none other than the old ghost who had chased after Nangong Wan back then.
A short dwarf floated beside him, and paused for a moment.
The two were on a section of the city wall.
In the center of the city, a deep pit stands out conspicuously.
Deep within lies the ancient teleportation array that Lu Jianghe used to leave Tiannan and travel to the Chaotic Star Sea.
The entire city is shaped like a huge circular fortress, surrounding it in the middle.
Six distinct flags fluttered in different directions.
Anyone with discernment would recognize at a glance that it is the emblem unique to the six sects of the demonic path.
The enormous anomaly caused when Lu Jianghe and the others teleported was impossible to conceal.
In addition, at that time, the war between the righteous and the demonic forces was at a stalemate, and the news spread like wildfire throughout the south in an instant.
After Lu Jianghe and his group left, the Ghost Spirit Sect immediately sealed off the site, intending to monopolize the ancient teleportation array.
However, although this place is located in the heart of the Ghost Spirit Sect, such earth-shattering spatial fluctuations cannot be easily concealed.
Not only did other sects within the demonic path react to the news, but other forces also almost simultaneously dispatched Nascent Soul stage experts to infiltrate and investigate.
The six sects of the Demonic Path could barely be considered to be of one mind, and they felt that the ancient teleportation array should not be touched by outsiders.
Other forces, without prior arrangement, seized the opportunity to spy and try to find out the details.
Several small-scale clashes broke out between the two sides around the location of the teleportation array.
Although it did not escalate into a full-scale war, and mostly ended in skirmishes, the tense atmosphere it contained and the news of the battle between Nascent Soul cultivators still shook the entire Tiannan cultivation world.
It should be noted that such ancient teleportation arrays capable of traversing vast regions have been extinct in Tiannan for thousands of years.
Its reappearance signifies the possibility of accessing unknown territories and represents unimaginable resources and opportunities. Who could resist such temptation?
Unfortunately, Lu Jianghe destroyed it when he left.
Afterwards, the six sects of the demonic path were unwilling to give up, and each sent out array masters to repair it. They also found several Great Teleportation Tokens from who-knows-where.
They tried several times with high hopes, but the teleportation array remained unresponsive, no matter whether they used five elemental spirit stones or a top-grade spirit stone that an old monster had gritted his teeth and brought out.
After several attempts, the higher-ups of the demonic path realized that the other end of the teleportation array must have been completely destroyed, and this route was blocked.
However, this basic body is also a treasure, how can we abandon it?
With the idea of "better to leave it idle than to give it to the enemy", the six sects of the demonic path simply joined forces to build a small fortress-like city here, and tightly guarded the teleportation array ruins within it.
Each of the six sects dispatched their disciples to guard the site in shifts. Ostensibly, this was a joint effort to protect the item and take turns overseeing it, but in reality, it was more about monitoring each other to ensure that the item did not fall into the sole control of any one party and to prevent outsiders from spying on it.
For example, the Ghost Spirit Sect sent out the duo of Ghost Elder and Child Granny.
Back then, their foundations were damaged, and even with the sect's resources being allocated to them for nearly a century, the two of them have only managed to break through from the early stage of Core Formation to the middle stage.
This place is far from the front lines, with little danger and a stable supply of resources. For them, whose foundations have been damaged and whose potential is limited, it is a rare "retirement" job.
The fact that the Soul Shattering Ancestor, who was at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, made this arrangement can be seen as a way of taking care of his disciples.
Initially, there were Nascent Soul cultivators stationed here to show their importance.
However, as time went on, the teleportation array remained unusable.
When other forces in Tiannan learned of this, they ceased their activities.
Because the ancient teleportation array is located in the heart of the Ghost Spirit Gate.
Among the six sects of the demonic path, the Ghost Spirit Sect ranks among the top three in terms of its foundation and the number of Nascent Soul cultivators.
Wang Tiangu then offered a suggestion: there's no need for Nascent Soul cultivators to be permanently stationed there.
There is a deeper meaning behind this arrangement.
Firstly, if other demonic sects were allowed to station Nascent Soul cultivators in their core territory for an extended period, it would be like having a thorn in their throat, causing them sleepless nights and uneasy days.
Secondly, since the teleportation array is now useless, it would be a waste of the sect's precious resources to continue expending Nascent Soul combat power to guard this place.
After several discussions and weighing of options, the six sects of the demonic path finally adopted this proposal.
Therefore, only a few Core Formation stage cultivators dispatched by each of the six sects remained to guard the place in shifts.
"The news of the Moon Concealment Sect's celebration has spread throughout the Nine Kingdoms Alliance's sphere of influence."
Old Tong spoke in a flat tone, clearly showing little interest in the matter.
"The Nine Kingdoms Alliance is a million miles away from us, why should we care about them? Even the Joyful Union Sect can't get help from them, why should we, the Ghost Spirit Sect, bother with such trivial matters?"
The old man shook his head and slammed one hand heavily on the cold wall.
"Do you know that a hundred years ago, our young master Wang Chan, and—that female cultivator from the Hidden Moon Sect who had reached the Core Formation stage?"
Old Tong suddenly turned his head, looking at him with a "Are you kidding me?" expression.
"Don't tell me she's the one who advanced to the Nascent Soul stage?!"
The old man nodded silently.
The latter landed, his feet landing on the crenellations of the city wall, appearing nonchalant and seemingly unconcerned.
"Even if she advances to the Nascent Soul stage, so what? In the heart of the Ghost Spirit Sect, can she really come here seeking revenge? Old Ghost, there's no need to worry too much."
As he spoke, his eyes involuntarily drifted toward the ancient teleportation array, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.
So many years have passed, that person must have died in some unknown corner long ago.
His aptitude was originally considered above average among the Core Formation cultivators of the Ghost Spirit Sect, and his path should not have ended there.
But after taking that "Giant Sword Technique", his foundation was severed and the spirituality of his natal magic weapon was greatly damaged, as if his spine had been removed.
In the past hundred years, even though the sect has given them a lot of resources out of respect for the Soul Shattering Ancestor, they have only managed to struggle from the early stage of Core Formation to the middle stage.
As for the late stage of Core Formation?
That was already a pipe dream, as unattainable as a mirage.
As for the Nascent Soul stage, it's an unthinkable pipe dream!
Seeing his expression, the old ghost, being a fellow cultivator who had spent so many years together, naturally understood what the other was thinking.
Knowing this, he didn't intend to say anything more. A person who had long since perished far from home and had no chance of ever returning was not worth wasting his energy discussing.
"Her real name is Nangong Wan, and she is one of the elders of the Hidden Moon Sect. The fact that she was able to form a Nascent Soul this time is enough to show her extraordinary talent. According to my investigation, she seems to be only about three hundred years old."
Upon hearing this, Old Tong, who was standing on the crenellations of the city wall, turned around instantly, his tone filled with surprise and doubt.
"So young?"
It is important to know that the younger one is at the time of Nascent Soul formation, the better their aptitude is often, and the smoother their future path will be.
The three Nascent Soul cultivators in Tiannan today were only a little over two hundred years old when they formed their Nascent Souls.
These individuals are all powerful and influential figures who command respect in their respective regions!
It is possible to break through the Nascent Soul stage at around three hundred years old. Logically speaking, it is also very likely that one will advance to the mid-Nascent Soul stage in the future.
"This is no secret at all; a little investigation will reveal the truth. Although we are in the demonic path, and the feud between the Ghost Spirit Sect and the Hidden Moon Sect has been over for many years, they might still remember it. If we were to encounter this newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator outside—a Nascent Soul cultivator doesn't care about the sects behind us. If she really wanted to make a move, the death of a Core Formation junior would be nothing. Our sects would never risk a major battle with a Nascent Soul cultivator for our lives, let alone trigger a Nascent Soul war."
Old Master Tong clearly took these words to heart and sighed softly.
"Sigh—we were only acting under orders back then, so the other party probably wouldn't have made things too difficult for us. Besides, she was rescued by that wicked star, and she's alright. But us—our foundations are completely ruined. If it weren't for that, how could we have been stuck at the mid-stage of Core Formation? We don't even know if we can break through to this realm again."
Upon hearing the words "acting on orders".
The old man's expression changed almost imperceptibly.
They were carrying out orders from Wang Chan, the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect.
However, not only did the target successfully escape and leave Tiannan with the help of the ancient teleportation array, but what was even more embarrassing was that Yan Ruyan, the young master Wang Chan's fiancée, was also kidnapped in the chaos.
When this news spread, Wang Chan almost became a laughing stock in the entire demonic path and even the cultivation world of Tiannan.
Enraged, Wang Tiangu, the leader of the Ghost Spirit Sect, stripped Wang Chan of her status as the first direct disciple and future young master.
Although Wang Chan still holds a special position within the sect and receives the same treatment, the title of "Young Master" is now merely nominal, and her power is far less than before.
In any case, someone must be held accountable for this major defeat.
Although the Ghost Spirit Sect is led by Sect Master Wang Tiangu, it is not a sect with absolute power.
There were still several Nascent Soul stage elders in the sect. Although most of them were traveling far away or cultivating in seclusion and did not concern themselves with worldly affairs, they all privately expressed obvious dissatisfaction with the fact that Wang Chan had caused such a great loss due to her selfishness, which also resulted in the loss of Yan Ruyan, a future Nascent Soul seedling.
After all, cultivators with celestial spiritual roots are extremely rare.
That's an unparalleled talent that guarantees advancement to the Nascent Soul stage.
Such an important marriage partner and future pillar was lost because of Wang Chan's willful actions; no one could tolerate that.
This incident directly caused an irreparable rift between the Ghost Spirit Sect and the Yan Family Fortress, which were originally bound by marriage. The relationship between the two sides became tacitly understood, with outward harmony but inner discord.
Although for the Nascent Soul stage monsters, these grudges and entanglements at the Core Formation and even Foundation Establishment levels may be trivial matters, the Ghost Spirit Sect was ultimately in the wrong first.
Wang Tiangu simply let the people of Yanjiabao do as they pleased.
However, they were ultimately under the command of the Ghost Spirit Sect, essentially a small cultivation family kept by the sect. Apart from having to hand over some resources, they were no different from the former Yan Family Fortress.
How is the young master now?
"I heard from the people inside the sect that he is in seclusion preparing to try to break through to the late stage of Core Formation."
"Young Master's talent is ultimately good. As long as he can avoid being troubled by his inner demons and truly understand things, he has a good chance of breaking through to the late stage of Core Formation. This is also crucial for his future attempt to reach the Nascent Soul realm."
"How confident are you?"
"At least—about 20%."
The old man's withered face twitched, revealing a half-smile. After a moment of silence, he muttered something under his breath.
"Doesn't that mean it's probably all over?"
Upon hearing this, the old woman was taken aback, pointed at the old ghost, and shook her head repeatedly.
"You old devil, your words are getting more and more outrageous! How can you curse the young master like that?"
"Hmph, if breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm were really that easy, why would my Ghost Spirit Sect be in this predicament? Not to mention anything else, just look at our own sect, we only have one elder in the mid-Nascent Soul stage on the surface, and only four or five in the early-Nascent Soul stage."
Upon hearing this, Elder Tong retorted, "Why don't you say that if the Ghost Spirit Sect had a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in charge, the Joyful Union Sect could sit on the position of leader of the demonic path, so why can't our Ghost Spirit Sect?"
After saying that, he waved his hand irritably, "What's the point of saying all this useless stuff? Looking at this piece of junk, it's like being a widow. It's been a hundred years, and there hasn't been a sound."
The old man chuckled hoarsely, like sandpaper scraping, "What? You're hoping that jinx will come back?"
"It would be best if you could come back!"
A fierce glint flashed in Elder Tong's eyes. He slammed his hand heavily on the wall. "This damned place is protected by the Spirit-Locking Rejection Array set up by my Ghost Spirit Sect! Even a Nascent Soul cultivator would be immobilized for a while if trapped here! Hmph, I'm actually looking forward to his return. It'll be perfect time to avenge the blood feud of destroying my natal magic treasure and my Dao foundation back then!"
Once a cultivator forms a deadly enmity with someone, their memory becomes exceptionally good, leaving an indelible mark.
This is the way of Heaven, and it is also what cultivators call "clear-mindedness".
As the saying goes, even a blood feud can be avenged. If there is even the slightest chance, one should pursue the enemy to the ends of the earth and grind them to dust.
For cultivators, this is also a "shortcut" to sever inner demons and temper their Dao heart.
"Alright, alright!"
Old Ghost waved his hand impatiently, interrupting Old Tong's harsh words, "Stop talking nonsense. What we should be thinking about now is whether we should advise the sect's patriarch to send a different group of people to guard the area? Or—we could simply transfer them back to the heart of the Ghost Spirit Sect, which would be safer than staying in this dangerous situation."
"Pah!" Old Tong spat, his face full of disdain.
"You old ghost, the longer you live, the more audacious you become. So what if that woman has managed to reach the Nascent Soul stage? Does she really dare to trespass into this heartland of the demonic path, a fortress jointly guarded by the six sects, and run wild? Don't forget, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, the Heavenly Dao Alliance, the Righteous Path, and the Demonic Path are now clearly distinct, standing as four pillars. If she dares to make any moves, she will be breaking the unspoken rules that have been in place for centuries."
"Hmph, the Six Sects may have their disagreements in ordinary times, but on matters of principle like this, how can we allow outsiders to act so recklessly? The Hidden Moon Sect belongs to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance; if they dare to cross the line to seek revenge, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance cannot bear the consequences of disrupting the balance."
Old Tong became more and more excited as he spoke.
"Most of the sects in the Nine Kingdoms Alliance originated from our Six Sects. Back then, the Seven Sects were able to survive only because our ancestors were kind-hearted and let them go."
The old man remained silent in the face of these long-ago events.
Times change, people's hearts change, and so do the things in the world.